Newcastle United got back to winning ways on Saturday.
While, on paper, Newcastle would be expected to beat Fulham – particularly following a reasonably early red card – a vital three points cannot be overlooked.
Indeed, Eddie Howe lost more players to injury as he asked his team to go again following Wednesday night’s bitterly disappointing loss to AC Milan.
Fulham, meanwhile, came into the game having won their last two outings 5-0.
So, even despite the red card, to have turned on the style in the second half was hugely encouraging from a Newcastle perspective.
Instrumental to that was Bruno Guimaraes.
The Brazilian was excellent on the day and stood out for particular praise from top brass at the club.
Bruno Guimaraes: Mehrdad Ghodoussi reacts to Newcastle star’s performance vs Fulham
After the game, Guimaraes took to Instagram to celebrate.
He captioned a collage of him in action: “We knew that today would be a very important game for us, after everything that happened in the middle of the week!
“Very happy to be back on the paths of victories! Thank you for the immense support today. We have a lot ahead of us and we need our fans to play with us. Always Newcastle.”
Shortly after, club co-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi replied with the words to a song sung on the terraces at St James’ Park: “Bruno in the middle”, followed by a number of positive emojis.
Bruno Guimaraes: How well did Newcastle star play vs Fulham?
What a performance from the £40m man it was.
According to WhoScored data, the 26-year-old played five key passes (the most of anyone on the field), completed four dribbles (again, the most) and it was his glorious cross that allowed Dan Burn to head in the third goal.
When Guimaraes is at it, Newcastle just do not have a player like him.
An absolute masterclass.
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